Eligibility quiz
Did a Dutch citizen legally acknowledge you as their child?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Dutch passport and ID
A Dutch passport is a worldwide travel document; a Dutch identity card allows travel in the EU and certain other European countries.
Both documents last 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 18.
Live in Netherlands for life
Dutch citizens can enter and live in the Netherlands without a visa or residence permit.
Citizenship has no expiry date, even when a passport or identity card expires.
Study in Netherlands
Dutch citizens can study in the Netherlands without immigration restrictions.
Work in Netherlands
Dutch citizens can work or be self-employed in the Netherlands without a work permit.
They also have the right to join the Dutch armed forces.
Get help abroad
Dutch consular services can help after a hospital stay or lost travel documents and may issue emergency documents.
Where the Netherlands cannot help or has no representation, another EU country's embassy or consulate may help.
Vote and run for office
Dutch citizens can vote at 18 and stand for election; a court can take away the right to vote.
Abroad, registration allows voting in Dutch and European Parliament elections and the Senate's non-resident electoral college.
In another EU country, citizens can vote and stand in local and European Parliament elections.
Use public healthcare
Dutch citizens can use healthcare in the Netherlands.
People who live or work there generally need Dutch health insurance, normally from arrival and no later than four months; the standard package covers primary and hospital care.
Receive social support
Dutch citizens can use public services without immigration restrictions.
Pensions, income support and help with housing, healthcare, childcare or care at home depend on factors such as residence, work, income and need.
How to apply
Applying at the town hallApplying at the town hall
Find your town hall
Find the town hall where your child lives and contact its citizenship service.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where is the town hall for a Dutch citizenship option procedure in your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your child's town hall.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Ask your child's town hall how to arrange an appointment for the option procedure.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I arrange an appointment for a Dutch citizenship option procedure at the town hall in your city?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your child and the required documents to the town hall. You must be a parent or guardian authorised to act for your child.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “What should I bring to a child's Dutch citizenship option procedure appointment at the town hall in your city?”
Fill in the form
Complete the option declaration for your child with the town hall employee and sign the required declarations, including the statement about making a declaration of solidarity.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does a parent complete a child's Dutch citizenship option declaration at a town hall?”
Hand in the application
Hand in your child's declaration and documents at the town hall. Pay the fee there when you submit them.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit and pay for a child's Dutch citizenship option procedure at the town hall in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the town hall's written decision about your child. If it asks for more documents, provide them and attend another appointment if needed.
Find decision informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a child's Dutch citizenship option procedure take at a town hall?”
Receive your child's confirmation
Keep the written confirmation that your child has become Dutch. Your child can then apply for a Dutch passport.
Find passport instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get a Dutch passport for my child after the citizenship option procedure?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate
Get your complete official birth certificate or birth-register extract from the office that registered your birth. It should show your place of birth and both parents’ full names; a hospital certificate is not enough. If you apply at an embassy or consulate, bring the original and a photocopy.
Parent's citizenship records
Bring a record showing that your parent is Dutch, such as their Dutch passport or proof of Dutch citizenship. If you apply at an embassy or consulate, bring the original and a photocopy.
Care and upbringing records
Bring records showing that your Dutch parent cared for and raised you without a break for at least three years. If you apply at an embassy or consulate, bring the originals and photocopies.
Acknowledgement declaration *
Get the declaration showing that your Dutch parent legally acknowledged you as their child. If you apply at an embassy or consulate, bring the original and a photocopy.
* Only if you apply through acknowledgement or your Dutch father is not shown on your birth certificate as the person who registered your birth and you apply at an embassy or consulate.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationParental authority records *
Bring records showing that your Dutch parent and your other parent have joint parental authority over you. If a Dutch court established the joint authority, bring its decision; if it existed from birth, bring records showing this. If you apply at an embassy or consulate, bring the originals and photocopies.
* Only if you apply through joint parental authority.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationParent's residence permit *
Bring a copy of your other parent’s residence permit.
* Only if one parent applies without the other parent and your municipality asks for the other parent's residence permit.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Citizenship can be lost
With another citizenship, you can lose citizenship after 13 years outside the EU, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten without a new Dutch passport, ID or nationality certificate.
For children, the clock starts at 18; some official postings are exempt.
You can also give it up or lose it for fraud, certain convictions, security or joining forces fighting the Netherlands or an ally from 16; rules differ if left stateless.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Netherlands/ Dutch Nationality Law - Questions and Answers
English Facebook group for people interested in Dutch citizenship
Request to joinExpats in The Netherlands
English Facebook group for people living in the Netherlands interested in Dutch local life
Join on FacebookExpats Netherlands | housing | work | Amsterdam | Utrecht | Den Haag |
English Facebook group for people living in the Netherlands interested in Dutch local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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